Chapter 923
Chapter 923:
Fernanda had suspected this, but she listened intently as Judie continued.
“My husband reassured me countless times, and I’ve always trusted him. But when I saw you, all those old insecurities came rushing back. I initially tried to prevent you from marrying into my family because the thought of facing the daughter of the woman I once saw as my rival was unbearable.”
Judie reached for her teacup, filled with pale honey water. She took a slow sip, the honey water leaving a soft sheen on her lips, enhancing her serene appearance.
“When your grandmother passed away, my husband and I were at a meeting at Vertex Investments. Cristian seemed distracted, and I had a feeling something had happened to you. He abruptly cut the meeting short and headed straight for the airport. Later, I learned the news of your grandmother’s passing.” Judie sighed, her gaze drifting as if lost in thought. “In that moment, I saw something in Cristian—a certain look in his eyes—that reminded me of how my husband had been when we were young. Back when we were courting, he had that same earnestness, that deep, unmistakable love in his eyes. I’ll never forget when he rushed to my side once when I twisted my ankle, his face full of worry and care. I never doubted his love for me, but I’ve often wondered—was he ever that tender and devoted with anyone else, or was it just for me?”
She paused, her voice softening as she continued, “Then, it finally became clear to me. When someone truly loves another person with all their heart, it shows in their face. Whatever he once shared with your mother was in the past. His heart, his thoughts, everything about him now belongs to me. He’s been telling me the truth all along. The doubts, fears, and insecurities I held were entirely my own creation—battles I hadn’t yet won within myself. All the suspicions, the comparisons, the jealousy—it wasn’t real. It was never about your mother, and it certainly wasn’t about you. It was all in my head.”
Judie let out another sigh, one that seemed lighter, as though she was unburdening herself. “Your mother has been gone for some time now, yet I clung to the idea of her and continued to measure myself against her shadow. I never moved forward; I just held on to the past. Without realizing it, I allowed those unresolved feelings to influence how I treated you. I took out my own inner turmoil on you, even though you had done nothing to deserve it. For all of that, I owe you a heartfelt apology.”
As Judie spoke, her voice carried a soothing, melodic quality, blending the elegance of a dignified woman with the calm, reflective wisdom that comes with age. It was like savoring an exquisitely aged wine—its layers revealing not only richness but also memories steeped in time, evoking feelings of nostalgia.
“But I’m not someone who’s particularly good at mending fences, nor am I used to lowering my pride for others. Even today, as I try to shift my attitude toward you, I can feel how unnatural it is for me. I’ve never been one for forming close bonds easily, so if I come across as stiff or awkward, I hope it doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”
“It doesn’t,” Fernanda said, offering a reassuring shake of her head. “You’re a kind soul. You’re very gentle.”
Check new story at g𝓐𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝔰.🅒𝗈𝗺
Judie chuckled lightly before continuing, “I imagine you probably thought there was some hidden motive behind my actions today. It must’ve crossed your mind that my sudden kindness might be part of some agenda or strategy.”
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